Football purists will balk at the thought of Jesse Lingard Milly Rocking his way around the Luzhniki Stadium on 15 July with the World Cup trophy in his hand, but they might need to start getting used to the idea. His quick-thinking for Jamie Vardy’s goal vs Italy on Tuesday night at Wembley was yet another reminder to Gareth Southgate that the Manchester United forward is more than ready for a starting spot in Russia.

If the England manager sticks to his word of playing those that are in form, Dele Alli will be the fall guy should Lingard be given the nod. The Tottenham star has been at sixes and sevens this season and failed to see a single minute of action against Italy, despite reassurances from Southgate in his post-match press conference: “He wasn’t able to finish all the training sessions, because of a little problem he’s had… He always wants to play, of course… He’s an important player for England.”

On the other hand, Lingard continues to excel week in, week out for both club and country. His performances are becoming harder and harder to dismiss as merely momentum; he’s really that good. In fact, he’s probably the most underrated player in the country.

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Jesse Lingard doesn’t just score goals, he scores great goals. (See: his solo dribble and finish from his own half against Watford earlier this season.) Jesse Lingard doesn’t just score in any game, he scores in big games. (See: the 2016 FA Cup final, the 2017 League Cup final, Chelsea and Arsenal away this season.) Time and time again this season, he’s risen to the big occasion.

This mythical idea that Alli’s connection with Harry Kane – one that’s only seen the pair link up four times for goals this season – will steer England to World Cup glory is fading with every game Lingard plays. His energy, confidence in possession and ability to play between the lines so effectively with both feet has visibly added a new level of fluidity to England’s attack and Southgate is taking it seriously.

After Lingard’s first ever England goal last Friday against Holland, Southgate said, “I’m delighted for Jesse. He’s a player we’ve worked with for three or four years from the Under 21s and this year he is starting to finish his chances.”

Not only that, but his work rate going the other way has helped dispel any concerns that England would miss Alli’s grit in midfield. Lingard won 100 per cent of his tackles vs Italy after regularly hunting the ball down when out of possession. Off the pitch, too, he's been a hit. His viral celebrations coupled with a natural ability to connect with young fans have established him as a firm fans' favourite. He might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but Jesse Lingard is here to stay, so you better start learning the Milly Rock.

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